Our journey through Lent continues to explore the theme: “Hope-Full in a Weary World.” Living in a Weary World is not a ‘new thing’ the people of Jesus’ time were also weary. They were weary of Roman occupation and hoped Jesus would be the King to overthrow Caesar’s Empire. But time and again Jesus showed he was a different kind of King with a different kind of Kingdom. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. We know the story of Holy Week, we know that Jesus wouldn’t defeat the Empire, rather that he would be falsely-accused, mocked, beaten, and executed by the powerful leaders of his own community. We know that he would be betrayed by one friend, denied by another and abandoned by all of them. We know that the cheers of the crowd welcoming Jesus to Jerusalem would days later turn to shouts for his death. Where is the Hope in these stories? Pastor Stephanie helps us remember that we can view our life as Hope-Full. Hope is found in the love Jesus showed for us all on the Cross. Knowing that he was about to be betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the rest of the disciples, Jesus’ love was so great he ate the Last Supper with them. Jesus asked God to forgive those shouting for his death. And Jesus defeated an even greater oppressor than Caesar: sin & death! And therein lies the Hope for that weary world and for ours!